Ursula

Chapter 5 Engaging Conversations

Ursula

The event continued without Triton. It seemed the whole assembly couldn't care less that there was no sign of the beloved Prince Triton. Only Mother and I were concerned about his whereabouts. I was very close to doing a spell to locate him or bring him here.
"Where could he possibly be?" I whispered to my mother. She came to join me as I searched the area for him. I sent servants off to search his rooms, and not a single soul could locate him. The palace was big, but not so big that he could hide away somewhere within it. No, he had to be off somewhere else. Half of me is upset I wasn't invited; the other half is still royally upset he thought his rendezvous to wherever he is was more critical than our engagement dinner. I knew he did not seem as... well... as happy as I was to hear the news. I never thought the prideful Prince Triton would knowingly miss something like this. It wasn't as if this feast was to celebrate a child's birthday to one of the members of the court. No, he should be here. He was standing next to me, making a face. Not gallivanting around the ocean. "He knows how important this is for us."
"Don't show your worry, child," my mother says through her teeth, showcasing a fake smile. If there's one thing my mother can do, it's fake it 'til you make it. She's long since learned how to play the game. "We can't make it appear as though the prince stood you up."
"Mother, this is unacceptable. I knew he hated feasts, but to abandon me at our engagement announcement... I have a few choice words for the prince next I see him." My tentacles are curled in tightly, and my hands won't cease their fidgeting. Soon, if not already, my emotions will be apparent to any merman or merwoman who looks in my direction.
"Be Patient, Ursula, he will be here... Soon, I hope," she frowns quickly, only to recover the moment a servant comes by to offer us a spread of various dishes made from seaweed. I much preferred plates of shrimp and other carnivorous foods. Plenty of merfolk looked down on anyone who didn't conform to a vegan diet. They thought it cannibalistic to eat smaller sea creatures, considering we were half of one.  I simply thought we were all a part of the food chain. I used to hear stories of humans who ate any animal that crossed its path. Logically, it seemed like the way of the world. Why should we limit ourselves to eating seaweed, kelp, and algae? What a pathetic diet! It's no wonder most merfolk are as skinny as they are. With a diet like that, I'd hardly want to eat either.
"Where is Morgana? She's supposed to be here to support her sister," she tsk's. My mother only now notices the absence of her other daughter.
"She's throwing another tantrum again—something about how I'm 'better than her,'" I air quote. "I don't know if we should expect her to make an appearance tonight. Her fits seem to be lasting longer and longer." She rolls her eyes at that and doesn't care to contribute anything more to the conversation.
The time continues to tick, and the feast is nearly about to be carried out to tables as most of the guests make their way into the dining hall. Large, long tables are decorated with various bioluminescent starfish and algae. The rooms glow a beautiful blueish shade, and the whole scene feels romantic. My worry is, at this point, clearly visible on my face as I try to mimic my mother's fake smile.
As I make my way to the end of the main table, ready to be seated by the prince's empty seat, the room explodes into a joyous welcome. I rush to turn around, and there, at the entrance to the dining hall, is my Prince, out of breath and his little crab clinging to the end of his tail.
The prince quickly swarmed with court members before I could get to him. I couldn't deny I was upset. This night was for both of us to announce our engagement. Yet here I was, waiting for him for the past hour or more. I tried to squeeze through the crowd to get to him, making my way back to the entrance of the room. I was more determined than ever. This night cannot be a total bust, and I've waited long enough. Just as I open my mouth, Poseidon cuts through the room.
"Triton, my boy, what kept you?" I hear the King call to his son before I can get a single word out.
"Got caught up with some business, my apologies, Father," he sheepishly grins. I had half a mind to smack that smile off his face for how upset I'd grown. I hate being left waiting.
Before Poseidon could respond, I cut in, "Prince Triton, my dear, what business could possibly keep you so long that you leave your fiancé waiting?" I scolded, and his smile immediately cleared his face. That was not exactly the reaction I wanted. However, the crowd audibly breathes in surprise. My smile grows then.
"I—um—Ursula, can we—we were supposed to wait to announce our... engagement," he painstakingly tells me.
"Perhaps if you were here on time, we could have discussed when to make a proper announcement," I whispered to him softly. I wrap an arm around him and begin to try to lead us to the main table. As upset with him as I am, I am also famished, which doesn't help matters. "Come, let's sit and eat. You must be hungry with how out of breath you sound."
"I apologize for my late arrival, Ursula; I wasn't planning to return so late. I just... I just had a lot on my mind." He takes the lead and brings us to our seats, pulling out my seat before sitting himself. "I needed some air to clear my head," he whispers into my ear as he leans over.
"You went to the surface without me?" I shoved him back, using my tentacles to hold him there.
"Ursula, I didn't know it was so important for you to accompany me every time I go," he hissed in return.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw my mother glaring at me in response to our display. We were beginning to make a scene. So, I smiled at Triton and tapped his chest gently. "Of course not, my prince, I was simply hurt you didn't consider inviting me," I say cheerfully.
He doesn't respond to that and chooses to turn back to the growing stares. Practically, the whole room is chatting and staring at the two of us sitting next to each other. This wasn't exactly how I planned this night to go, and I felt like a fool. I could feel my cheeks heat and turned to look at Triton again. He was staring off at what looked like the back of the room towards the entrance. His brows furrowed together, and the moment he caught me staring, he looked away. His father came to sit beside him and begin a conversation about things I did not care to know or listen to. Instead, I turned away, looking back out into the crowd. I could see guests whispering secrets and gossiping amongst one another. With the shifty darting eyes towards my direction, it was clear the topic consisted of me. The unease was settling in the pit of my stomach, and I reached for the nearest dish containing food. I didn't care what it was; I just needed something to distract me from all the eyes in the room.
Before I could eat more than a handful of bites, my mother gently grabbed my hand, pulling it down.
"Ursula dear, watch yourself," she smiles.
"Trust me, Mother, plenty of merpeople are watching me already." I pull my hand out of her grip and watch her eyes as I plop whatever food I have in my hands into my mouth. Her face turns dark, and I can tell I've made her upset with me. At this point, with how my evening was going, I didn't care and reached for another bite.
"We will talk about this later," she hisses.
"I'm sure we will, Mother." I try not to roll my eyes lest she lose her temper here and now. I'm already upset enough with Triton arriving incredibly late and now ignoring my presence as he speaks with his father and anyone else who cares to join their conversation.
I hated feeling like this. I lost control of the night so quickly. How am I to rule beside Triton if I can't even be enough for him to show up on time? I was going to have my work cut out for me; I was sure of that most of all now. He coiled at my small touches under the table as I slowly reached for his hand. He was feigning like he needed to scratch his chin. If resting it on top of the table wasn't hint enough, I withdrew my hand back to my lap.
Years of pleading for Triton's affections, and I was still left yearning. I had hoped our engagement would help him see me in a new light. I feel I may have given him too much credit. He was either oblivious, or I was just not enough for him. I feared it was not the former. His ignorance cut deep into my heart. I needed him to see me. To see me. I knew then I may have to take more... extensive measures to ensure Prince Triton's attraction. Mother may not like it, but I may have to use manipulation. At this rate, I don't see another way.
"Citizens of Atlantica! Patrons of the Sea! I have an announcement to make!" The king announces to the crowds, and a hush fills the room. I notice all eyes trained on him. I do catch the quick glances at Triton and me.
I feel my stomach harden and my heart tense as I also see the looks of confusion and concern as Poseidon announces that his son, Triton, is to wed Pandora's daughter, Ursula.